Can my hamster take the heat?

Question
I have a one year old Syrian hamster and I'm concerned because my A/C is not working properly (I live in FL) and it may take a day or two to fix. The current temp inside the house is about 80 degrees but it has gotten up to about 85, maybe even a bit higher. Will my hamster be okay with the heat or should I find a babysitter until it's fixed? Also, is there anything I can do to keep him cool and what are signs that he may be distressed by the warmth?

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Hamsters are most comfortable when the temperature is below 80 degrees F.  However, they can survive when the temperature is higher than that (but no higher than 90 degrees).  Since you mentioned that it may have gotten hotter than 85 degrees in your house, I would advise that you find, as you said, a babysitter for him until you can get your A/C fixed.  Until you can find him a babysitter, there are a few things you can do to keep him cool:

1. Move the cage to a darkened corner away from windows.  Close the curtains in that room.

2. Aim a small fan, on its lowest setting, a couple of feet above the cage, or to the left or right (just don't aim the fan directly at the cage, especially if he lives in a wire cage).

Good luck, and keep cool!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly